Celebration time!

A new awards event celebrating the region’s remarkable workplaces and inspirational leaders has been hailed a huge success

The inaugural Birmingham Business Best Places to Work Awards was held in the magnificent Great Hall at the University of Birmingham.

Some 250 business leaders and shortlisted finalists attended the event, where highlights included a fireside chat between Birmingham Business director Carl Jones and host for the evening, Carl Jones, and Moneypenny CEO Jesper With-Fogstrup.

They explored subjects such as the integration of tech and AI into the workplace, and innovative ways to enhance a people-first culture at work.

Henry Carpenter, editor of Birmingham Business and founder of the awards, said that inspirational leaders and workplaces should be celebrated now more than ever with all the challenges organisations have to face.

He added: “It appeared that everyone in the room bought into the concept of the awards whole heartedly, and that was hugely gratifying.

“Some truly remarkable businesses, organisations and individuals were shortlisted, and I know the judges had a tough time in some categories in particular.

“But the winners were all hugely deserving and congratulations to them all.

“We are already making plans to repeat the event next year.”

Sponsors for the event were Heligan Group, Cyber Tzar, ReLib, Rigby Group, Entec Si, FleetMilne, Liquid, Rudell the Jewellers, Hollywood Monster and Birmingham Business magazine.

Winners at a glance:

Best Company Overall – Large (100+ employees)

S&R Construction 

                                                                                                          Best Company Overall – Medium (20-100 employees)

OWB Creative

 

Best Company Overall – Small (up to 20 employees)

KSB Recruitment

 

Best Company for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Warwickshire County Cricket Club

 

Best Company for Training, Education and Apprenticeships

Heligan Group

 

Best Company for Health & Wellbeing

Entec Si

 

Most Inspiring Leader (Female)

Elisabeth Lewis-Jones, Liquid

 

Most Inspiring Leader (Male)

Wayne Horkan, West Midlands Cyber Hub